Main Navigation

Main Content

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor, a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Council resolution proposes automatic placement

By Netta S. Eisler

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 29 - April 20, 1995

At its April 3 meeting, the University Council heard the first reading of a
resolution which proposes that the Board of Visitors' undergraduate student
representative be automatically placed on the Commission of Student Affairs.
This proposal has been unanimously adopted by the Commission on Student
Affairs.

Council also heard the first reading of a resolution on religious holidays.
The resolution states that a copy of recognized religious holidays will be
provided to all student organizations and will be published in such
publications as the Collegiate Times, Spectrum, and possibly the
timetable of classes. The Registrar's Office will keep the list. Alan McDaniel,
chair of the Committee on Academic Support, said the resolution is designed to
improve the communication process on issues related to the academic calendar.
He said that, no matter what resolutions are passed, all academic issues
relating to religious observances still rest between faculty members and their
students.

Janet Johnson, interim dean of the College of Human Resources, presented the
Commission on Graduate Studies and Policies Resolution 1994-95A, Amendment to
Policy Memo 126, for second reading. The resolution was approved.

Policy Memo 126, approved in 1992, was an attempt to insure that all on-campus
graduate programs provided copies of their policies and procedures to the
Graduate School. Enforcement of the language of the policy, however, proved
difficult. The amendment includes a statement that the conduct of the graduate
programs is primarily an academic matter, and is the direct concern and
responsibility of the faculty. It also provides for the Commission on Graduate
Studies and Policies and the Graduate School to review individual program
statements and to assess their implementation as part of the regular five-year
departmental evaluations. All departments will maintain a current copy of their
policy statements at the Graduate School.

Johnson also presented the Commission on Research Resolution 94-95A, Research
Faculty Title Series, for second reading. The resolution will create a series
of titles for research faculty members, including the title of research
professor. The titles will be examined every two years. The resolution,
referred back to council from the Commission on Faculty Affairs, passed.

Following the business session, Provost Peggy Meszaros answered questions
about the Workforce Transition Policy. When asked whether the president planned
to deny all of the "buyout" requests, Meszaros said that no such decision had
been made. She said that university administrators were still examining
requests and completing the paperwork required by officials in Richmond.

When questioned about the $12-million budget shortfall, Meszaros said more
information would be available soon. She encouraged council members to attend
the information session on April 10, where they would have a chance to ask
questions and to receive the latest information.